Star Wars toys could make thousands in sale
A haul of vintage Star Wars toys could make up to £5,000 when they go under the hammer in a Derbyshire saleroom in June.
The collection comprises some 40 boxed figures, with one dating back to 1977 when the first Star Wars film was released.
Together, the toys could make up to £5,000 and interest is expected from around the world.
One, a 1983 Barada figure, has an original price of £1.59 on the packaging but now carries an auction estimate of £80-£120 – and could sell for far more.
David Wilson-Turner, head of the Toy Department at auction house Hansons, said, “There is massive demand for Star Wars memorabilia from fans around the world and the Midlands has proved to be a brilliant area to find them because the Palitoy factory, which once made the toys, was based in Coalville in Leicestershire.
“This latest set of toys has come from a private collector in North West Leicestershire and I’m hoping it will do as well as previous major Star Wars finds.
“For example, last year a selection of 60 vintage Star War toys made by Palitoy more than trebled their original estimate of £2,000-£3,000 to sell for £9,240.
“Many lots had estimates of £40-£60 but sold for hundreds. For example, an original Star Wars Return of the Jedi tri-logo carded action figure, Yak Face, sold for £700 from a £40-60 estimate, and sets of five original vintage Star Wars Stormtroopers made around £400 each.
“When Star Wars toys are untouched and in their original packaging, they’re unmissable for collectors.”
The most valuable toy coming up for auction in June is a 1983 Jedi Yak Face which carries an estimate of £600-£800. Two Han Solo toys have estimates of £60-£100 and £100-£150 respectively, while a variety of Princess Leia toys range from £40-£60 to £50-£80. A Power Droid Star Wars toy, made in 1977 when Star Wars was released, has an estimate of £50-£80.
“What we’ve found from experience is that buyers come out in force when a major batch of Star Wars toys come up for auction,” said Mr Wilson-Turner.
He continued, “If anyone else has some original, boxed Star War figures to sell and fancy making some money, it’s a perfect time to part with them.”
The sale takes place on June 20.